The Ratiani Ethnographic Museum in Mestia is a unique private attraction located in one of the ancient Svan towers. The museum is open upon request from tourists and invites you to immerse yourself in the atmosphere of medieval Svaneti, plunging into the life and culture of this amazing region.
The museum exhibition consists of two main parts - a traditional Svan house and a tower. The first floor of the house, called machoub, is a large rectangular hall, where much of the furnishings are original and quite ancient. In the center of the hall there is an open fireplace, above which hangs a stone slab that served as a battery. Around the hearth there are wooden benches and a carved chair for the head of the family. Along the perimeter of the hall there are wooden partitions with arched openings, behind which there were livestock, which created a unique family atmosphere.
The second floor of the house is already furnished with modern furniture and is used as a meeting room. The stairs from the second floor lead to the tower, the climb of which is a real physical challenge due to the steep stairs and narrow openings. On one of the floors of the tower you can see a pile of animal bones, which indicates the hunting traditions of the Svans.
At the top of the tower, through the hatch in the roof, there is a beautiful view of Mestia and its surroundings, dotted with Svan towers. The museum provides services for the convenience of tourists: a brush for cleaning clothes, a sink with water and a towel for washing off dust and dirt that inevitably settles after going up and down the tower.
A visit to the Ratiani Ethnographic Museum will be an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in the history and culture of Georgia. This place is ideal for those who want to learn more about the traditions and life of the Svans, as well as enjoy the unique atmosphere of the Middle Ages.
